ST Interview and GP Stage 3 Interviews:
Medical Interview Skills and Sample Interview Questions For ST and GP Interviews.
By Annette Lewis
Recruitment into Specialty Training is highly competitive this year. The Department of Health predicts that competition in 2008 will be more severe than in 2007, with an average 3:1 ratio.
It follows that adequate preparation is key to success and this applies from the application process right through to the interview.
For ST candidates, you will be participating in what is called a Structured Interview in front of a Panel and you will be asked questions exploring your skills as detailed in the Person Specification.
For GP VTS Stage 3 Selections, candidates will be taking part in Role Plays also called Patient Simulations, Group Discussions and will have to complete Written Exercises. All of this will happen in a selection centre and only candidates who achieve a pass mark in Stage 2 will be invited.
The Medical Interview and Selection process is a challenge for many and this article is designed specifically to help candidates interviewing for Doctor positions at Specialty Training and GP levels (ST1-4, CT1-3 Interviews and GP VTS Stage 3).
Tips for Success in Medical Interviews for ST and GP VTS Training Placements:
Approach:
ST interviews will continue to follow MMC standards and these will
reflect recruitment practices which are fairer and which remove any
elements of bias from the selection process.
Techniques such as Competency Based Interviewing and Structured Interviewing
which have been used in large commercial enterprises for a number of
years are now the norm in Medical Interviews. You will be tested on
your skills and to succeed you must approach your interview as if it
as was for a Job rather than a Training Course
You will be required to present a professional demeanour at all times
and all aspects of your appearance, communication, language and attitude
will be under scrutiny.
Proper Preparation
Surveys suggest that between 80%-90%
of candidates in any interview fail to prepare adequately. They take the
view that their Application or CV is so good they will sail through the
interview or believe that it is impossible to anticipate the questions
asked and therefore no point in preparing.
You cannot adopt this attitude with your ST/CT Interview or GP Selection Centre. You must prepare and practice as much as the time will allow and I advise you use all resources available to you. In particular:
- Review the Person Specification in depth and detail all of the key
competencies, personality skills and clinical skills required
- Carry out research into the recruiting hospital, trust or clinic.
What is its reputation, how did it perform against its targets, what
are the issues it is facing
- Review your CV and application form and be aware of your skills, your achievements, your strengths and your weaknesses
- Create a list of the most likely questions and prepare answers giving
examples where appropriate.
- Be prepared for a Structured Panel Interview and understand the types
of Competency Based Questions you will be asked
- Practice your answers in advance by taking part in a mock interview with a friend or colleague
- For GP Candidates I suggest you practice with Role Plays, Group Discussions and Prioritisation Exercises
The Medical Interview StructureAll ST candidates will be asked to take part in a Structured Interview in front of a panel of interviewers who will explore competencies including:
- Eligibility,
- Clinical Skills
- Research and Audit
- Personal Skills,
- Probity
- Commitment to Specialty
Expect a range of questions relating to each subject and as this is a structured interview each candidate will be asked exactly the same questions with no deviation from the script.
For GP candidates, you will be attending an Selection Centre and will take part in a Role Play, a Group Discussion and a Written Exercise. In 2008, GP VTS candidates do not have to take part in formal interviews although of course for Salaried GPs interviews will follow the same format as for ST and other senior Medical appointments.
Sample Interview Questions For ST and Medical Interviews
Remember the questions will vary a little depending on the specialty, however here is a sample of typical interview questions for Medical Interviews.
How would you answer?
Interview Question 2: 'Now tell us about a time when you did not provide the level of care you wanted, perhaps a time when you made a mistake or would have handled a situation differently.'
Interview Question 3: 'Describe a recent patient interaction which shows your ability to create trust and what steps would you take to develop an effective relationship with your patient.'
Interview Question 4: 'Describe a situation when you were able to empathise with a patient or their families and which resulted in an enhanced level of care for the patient.'
Interview Question 5: 'You suspect that one of your senior colleagues has an alcohol problem however you have not noticed any deterioration in their level of work. What do you do?'
Interview Question 6: 'As a senior medical professional what steps would you take to nurture safety awareness in your team?'
* Questions taken from the InterviewGOLD™ Interview System. See below.
How to Succeed in your 2008 Medical Interview
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- Learn about Structured Medical Interviews
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- Online Medical Interview Course
- Avoid the Most Common Mistakes
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About the Author
Annette Lewis is an accredited interviewer and has recruited for many organisations
within Healthcare, Education, Customer Services and Banking.
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